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This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. As well as recommendations for the best watchof Jan 2018, I also have 'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page will remain accessible as a few that are worth considering point in spite of their flaws, and some to avoidtime reference. * The [[Garmin 310XT]] is great value "what to look for money in a running watch" remains valid and has all I'd recommend understanding the features youlimitations of GPS for running. I're likely to needd recommend checking out [https://thewirecutter. * If the 310XT is too big and you want something more com/reviews/best-running-watch like, then the [[Garmin 610]] is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price. * The [[Garmin 620]] is for a lovely watchfairly unbiased opinion, but it's more expensive and you can't get your current pace from a should read [[FootpodStryd| my review of Stryd footpod]]. * I rather like as that remains one of the [[Suunto Ambit2 R]], which has some nice features at a reasonable pricemost useful devices for measuring pace and distance. The more expensive versions of the Ambit2 are worth considering, but I would avoid the updated Ambit3suggest avoiding "pseudo-marketing" sites that proport to being detailed reviews without providing any critical thinking. * Consider using a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; if you already have one good litmus test is to check what they are a cheap option and can have outstanding say about [[GPS Accuracy]]– if they say "it's all good" then you'll know it's just marketing. For a lighthearted look at running watches, check out [[If Running Watches were Sports Cars]]?=Comparison=Here's File:Best Watch.png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a table of these features simple guide to finding the right watch for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS)you. For details of the meaning of each column see Use it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews referenced in the tableto understand if a watch is really right for you. (Click for a larger version.{{:Best Running Watch-table}})]]

There are several A modern running watch often has a huge number of features , but I think it's best to focus on its ability to consider when looking for a runners watchanswer these basic questions. <div style="float:right;">__TOC__</div>* '''GPS.''' GPS provides an easy measure of how How far you've run, which is critical for your training. While it is possible to map out a did I run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and is typically less accurate than GPS. However, '?''<span style='color:#FF0000'>GPS This is not accurate enough to display your current pace'''</span>. The Garmin 910XTprobably the key feature that most runners are looking for, 310XT and 610 can display current pace from the Foodpod while using GPS for distance. * '''GPS Accuracy.''' I've it requires good [[GPS Accuracy| Analyzed the Accuracy of GPS watches]], and I've found that there are wide differences in . How much the accuracy. The Garmin 10 and Polar M400 are especially poor. Interestingly, adding of a Footpod to watch will impact your running will depend on the 310XT improves their accuracy noticeablycourse. I've not tested all the Overall, most watches yetdo pretty well in straight lines, but more devices will be added as time allowssuffer when things get twisty. (My testing methodology requires me to run 100s is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. With the advent of miles with each watchthe [[Stryd]] footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy.)* '''Current How fast am I running?''' While you can work out your average pace from your distance and time, you'll often want to know how fast you're currently running. Unfortunately, GPS is rather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]] footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]].''' A and a first-generation [[Footpod]] can be used to provide pace and distance. Displaying pace from the Footpod provides a far more An accurate indication of your current pace than GPS, which is important for any training program that requires running at a specific pace, and for success in racing at many distances. Unlike * '''Where am I?''' It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS, enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start. Navigation varies from a simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the route you've just run or a preloaded course. * '''What's my cadence? '''A display of [[FootpodCadence]]s need is a critical training tool and newer watches are able to be calibrated use an internal accelerometer to provide accurate pace/distance, but this is relatively easyCadence without any accessories. For most runners, once Other watches may need a [[Footpod]] or the newer Garmin watches can use the Footpod is calibrated it running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will display help you stay in the right pace across cadence range, and is a wide range of pacesuseful feature.There are several additional features to you could consider, though I'd argue none are as important as the above questions.

** [[Optical heart rate monitoring Heart Rate Monitoring]] is more convenient, but does not work very well.

* '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. It's best to have a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. I list the claimed battery life in my table, along with the results of my testing. For my tests, I do everything to maximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy. That means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses. I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and GLONAS are disabled. I don't test devices that I've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time. * '''Charges On The Run'''. For ultrarunners, one option to use a watch for longer than the built in battery lasts is to charge the watch while running. This involves connecting the cable and carrying a USB battery pack. It's cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that the watch will accept charge while recording and displaying as usual. Some watches have a "yes" with a caveat, such as the display not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the watch. An asterisk after the yes indicates a Garmin device that needs to be set with the USB mode to "Garmin" not "Mass Storage". A value of "no" means that charging is impossible.

[[File:GPS Accuracy.jpgpng|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. The top right corner represents the most accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology.)]]

Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The main factor is battery life, and some runners will want navigationas few watches can be relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:* The # [[Garmin 310XTCharge On The Run]]. This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at least have them in your drop bag. Not all watches support [[Garmin 910XTCharge On The Run]], and [[Garmin Fenix 2]] will show an outline only a subset of your run them do so with reasonable convenience.# Use two watches. This is also rather inconvenient and allow expensive, though you may be able to load a course outline use to followcheaper watches rather than one more expensive watch. The [[Garmin 920XT]] has a map displayFor the second part of your run, but Garmin has crippled the 920XT by removing the ability second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you'll need to zoom make a note from the displayfirst watch and do some math. (Doing math late in an ultra is as difficult as it sounds. )* The longest # Extended battery life that's available with good . A number of watches allow you to reduce the GPS is 24 hours with accuracy to gain greater battery life. This lack of accuracy can be offset by using the Stryd Footpod for the first part of the [[Garmin 920XT]], or race (they claim that Stryd lasts 20 hours for the [[Garmin 310XT]] and [[Garmin 910XT]]. If you need longer than 24 hours, which ) Another approach is common in 100 mile races, you end up with some compromises. * You can to turn the GPS off GPS entirely and use rely on a first generation [[Footpod]], in which boost the battery life of most Garmin case many watches to will last several days. Obviously you lose navigation and while While the accuracy of a first gen [[Footpod]] can be better than GPS, the Footpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track. * Some watches can extend the battery life by only taking a GPS fix less frequentlyAnd some runners will want navigation. I see three main approaches to I wish I could provide, simple, clear cut advice, but unfortunately things are not so easy. This can You'll need to think about how long you'll be acceptable on a straight course like running for, the Keys 100 or Badwaterfeatures that are important to you, but it and how much compromise you can be appalling on twisty trailslive with. ** [[File:Charge On The Run - Fenix3 (2).jpg|center|thumb|200px|[[Garmin 920XTCharge On The Run]] is an option for ultras.]] gives 40 hours ==Battery Life==* The claimed battery lives don't hold up in extended modethe real world, and it has with some mapping capabilitieswatches going longer, others much shorter.* If you want the maximum battery life, you have to avoid the backlight, but the lack use of zoom cripples this functionalitymap/course displays, and don't press the buttons unless you have to. ** The In my testing, the longest battery life that's available with GPS on is 30 hours with the [[Suunto Ambit2 REpson SF-510]] gives 25 , 24 hours in extended mode and the more expensive Ambit2 gives 50 hours. There is some map capability, but it's not as good as with the 310/910. ** The [[Polar V800]] gives 50 , 22 hours in extended mode, but has no map display. ** The with the [[Garmin Fenix 23]] will give 50 hours in extended mode, but it has mediocre 19 with the [[GPS AccuracyGarmin 920XT]] even in normal mode , and it has 17 with the occasional "lost satellite reception" problem[[Garmin Epix]]. * You can extend the For ultras lasting less than 20 hours, such as 50 miles or 100 Km, you have plenty of choice and battery life should not constrain you too much. * For 24 hour races or 100 mile races where you expect a little by avoiding using finish in the backlight or changing the display. Showing the map on the 310/910 seems to drain the battery quite fast. I've had 37+ hours out of 24-30 hour range the [[Suunto Ambit2 REpson SF-510]]is worth considering though the battery life is one of its few good points. * Another option==Navigation==For some ultras (and shorter trail runs), depending navigation is a problem. I've been lost on the occasional raceand it's a horrible experience. Even when I've been on course, is to have two watches the doubts and swap part way throughstress of worrying can be an enormous drain. * Some runners will recharge their My first GPS watch during a race, but was purchased so that seems to be more hassle than itI's worth as you d have to carry a an outline of the course I was running and there were many races where I was glad of its comforting conformation. Remember that using the navigation features of these watches will dramatically reduce their battery pack life. * The [[Garmin Fenix 5X]] and the cable[[Garmin Epix]] have a display that shows full color maps, so for navigation, nothing else comes close. (You can't charge Well, the [[Garmin 920XTLeikr]] while it's in useis even better, but you can charge the it has a short battery life.) * The [[Garmin 310XT]] and , [[Garmin 910XT]], [[Garmin 920XT]], [[Garmin Fenix 3]], [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]] will show an outline of your run (breadcrumbs) and allow you to load a course outline to follow.)